Cupboard

Cupboard

Label text:Original cupboard from custom house on Erchless Estate, Oakville.

The cupboard was custom-built in Oakville by local craftsmen, and first used in the brick Custom House in 1856 on the Erchless Estate. It remained in the south room of the Custom House into the 20th century. It was moved into the family home portion of the Estate, by Emelda Beeler Chisholm, the fourth Chisholm to own the home, in 1919. Placed in the library, the cupboard held many books and fine decorative objects. This piece is directly associated with the customs service at the Oakville Harbour, designated a Port of Entry into Upper Canada in 1834. The Customs Collector, Robert Kerr Chisholm was the son of the Town of Oakville's founder, William Chisholm who served in the Provincial Legislature.

DescriptionSolid mahogany cupboard with long counter; two sets of doors below counter open to reveal shelving; four drawers sit directly above counter recessed to fit below adjustable open shelving; sits on eight spindle legs and upper shelving unit is topped with cornice moulding.